In this anecdotal study of public apology, Edwin Battistella shows that our anxieties and confusions about confession are rooted in a deeper ambiguity: the tension between the culpable self and the apologetic self.

Reflections on the Lectionary

Century Marks

No holy days

Mar 26, 2015

New York City mayor Bill de Blasio announced recently that the city’s public school system would add two Islamic holy days to the number of religious holidays recognized. Why stop there? asked Stephen Prothero, religion professor at Boston University. Why not mark the winter solstice for Wiccans or celebrate Diwali, the Hindu festival of lights? Adding more religious holidays would recognize the nation’s diversity, but it would not be practical, said Prothero. He urged a move in the other dire